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My husband has worked at the same company for almost 45 years. It’s a small manufacturer that is run by a family.
Over the past 20 years, raises have been few and far between (up to eight years if I remember correctly). When he does get a raise, it’s often offset by increases in health insurance contributions and other reductions in benefits.
My husband got a raise about seven years ago, but four years ago, his hours were reduced from 37.5 to 35 per week. It didn’t mean that he actually worked fewer hours; he just didn’t get paid for more than 35 hours a week. This meant that his gross income was lower in the past four years than it was in 2009.
A year ago, they also ended their 401(k) program, therefore, eliminating the employer matching funds. As you may guess, he is less than 10 years from retirement.
My husband holds himself to standards of loyalty and a strong work ethic. I have been married to him for over 30 years. I’ve suggested he look for another job many times. It’s not going to happen. I’m not angry at him , but it’s hard to watch him go through bouts of depression and frustration because he has done his best and consistently more than what has been required.
He has been told that he’s appreciated, but he’s not treated as if he is appreciated. Is there a way for him to address the situation to get him a salary or benefit that he deserves?
-H.
Dear H.,
Had your husband had asked me for advice, I’d tell him that loyalty in the workplace is a one-way street. No amount of loyalty protects your job if your company isn’t profitable. So I’d suggest that he make the case for a raise and apply for new jobs, as well.
Of course, your husband didn’t ask me for advice. You can pass my thoughts along to him. But I have a feeling you’ve been dispensing the exact same advice for many years at this point.
You clearly have a lot of empathy for your husband. So try to understand where…
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